News

Big Brown makes big impression

16th Aug 2010

Stallions - Andrew Reichard - Monday, 16 August 2010

On a sunny winter’s day in mid August Big Brown strolled out of his box at Inglis’ historic Newmarket stables to greet the breeders, bloodstock agents and media representatives who had assembled at the invitation of Vinery Stud to welcome him to Australia.

Big Brown, winner of the Kentucky Derby at just his fourth start, winner of seven of his eight career starts, is one of the best performed horses to go to stud in the USA in the last fifty years and surely among those with the sweetest temperament.

He impressed onlookers with his beautiful head, long rein, big girth, excellent scope and above all his wonderful attitude. His pedigree completes the picture, Big Brown being by a successful son of Danehill’s sire Danzig from a mare inbred to the family of champion sires Sadler’s Wells and Nureyev.

Caroline Searcy hosted the proceedings, conducting interviews with his part owner and biggest admirer John Singleton as well as Vinery Stud manager Peter Orton.

Singo spoke of his long term admiration for Big Brown, how he jumped in early to secure the Southern Hemisphere rights and how he has now made a big comittment to send 17 of his Gr1 winning or producing mares to the handsome bay stallion.

Peter Orton reminded everyone that Big Brown won his last start on a turf surface and that Kentucky Derby winners with exceptional ability such as Seattle Slew and Sunday Silence had gone on to influential careers at stud. He added that Big Brown’s first foals, born in the USA earlier this year had certainly lived up to expectations.

Big Brown will serve a maximum of 130 mares at his very realistic fee of $44,000 inc gst and already has many high class mares on his list.

Gai Waterhouse was also asked to give her impression of the new arrival and was warm in her praise of his athleticism, being yet another to remark on his beautiful temperament.

To add a little flair to proceedings, three very attractive brunettes were photographed with the horse, maintaining the “brown” theme.

But appropriately enough, the ultimate piece of flair was provided by Big Brown himself, the distinctive white spot on his near shoulder was apparently referred to as his “go button” in his racing days. All horses should have one.

Photo by Margaret Reichard